Henderson Co. TN
Anderson, Jackson (1832-1910) |
Jones, Julian Lancaster (1896-1932) |
The Tennessee State Library and Archives is collecting as much biographical information as possible on all persons who have been members of our General Assembly, from the beginning in 1796 to the present. Included also are persons who served in the Territorial Legislature and those who sat in the North Carolina Assembly from counties later included in Tennessee. The project, when completed, will likely include some 5,500 individuals.
Since a great majority of these persons have not gained national prominence, it has been necessary to look for information in a wide variety of sources, most of which are local in character. For this reason, it has been advantageous to conduct the search county by county. Although the State Library and Archives has a considerable body of sources on most counties, it in inevitable that information so collected is often incomplete and subject to error.
Therefore, preliminary sketches are being written as studies of the various counties are completed. These sketches not only include what information we have on the individual, but they also indicate what is lacking to make the sketches as complete as planned.
There have been, in all, forty-four persons to go to the legislature from Henderson County. Preliminary sketches on these individuals are submitted herewith. Obviously, information on some is scant, on others is reasonably full, and on many not as full as could be desired. . . .
To this end, permission is hereby granted to news media, to the county historians, and to teachers to use the sketches in ways best likely to stimulate interest and desired cooperation.
The preliminary sketches of legislators from Henderson County were prepared by the late Dan M. Robison, while he was State Librarian and Archivist Emeritus. The conception of this Biographical Directory of the Tennessee General Assembly was Dr. Robison's, and it is our hope to continue and complete it as he would have wished.
Robert M. McBride
Director, Research and Publications
Wilmon H. Droze
State Librarian and Archivist
October 15, 1970
Anderson, Jackson (1832-1910)
HOUSE, 43rd and 44th General Assemblies, 1883-87; representing Henderson County; Republican. Born in Edgecombe County, N.C., Apr. 15, 1832; son of John and Nancy (Taylor) Anderson. Extent of schooling not stated. Married Feb. 3, 1853, to Elizabeth H. Jackson, daughter of W. P. and Martha Jackson; children--Emily M., William H., John S., and James Y. Moved with family to Henderson County while a boy; engaged in farming and milling at Juno, Henderson County. Elected, 1859, justice of the peace for 19th civil district and continued so for twenty-one years; sometime chairman of county court. Member Methodist Episcopal Church; Free and Accepted Masons, Juno Lodge, No. 614. Died at home of son near Juno Mar. 11, 1910; buried in Anderson family graveyard nearby.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Mar. 18, 1910; Whitson, Personal Sketches, 63; Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 841; U.S. Census, 1850, 1870, 1880, Henderson County.
SENATE, 19th and 20th General Assemblies, 1831-35; representing counties of Henderson, Humphreys, Perry, and Stewart. No further information on Senator Andrews.
Austin, Lon Saunders (1885-1950)
HOUSE, 69th, 70th, 71st, 73rd, 74th, and 75th General Assemblies, 1935-41, 1943-49; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born at Scotts Hill, Henderson County, Sept. 15, 1885; son of Jones Alvin and Winnie (Scott) Austin. Attended schools at Scotts Hill and at Sardis, Henderson County; later attended a cotton school at Memphis, Shelby County. Married at Scotts Hill, June 8, 1908, to Carrie Goff, native of Saltillo, Hardin County, daughter of Albert Lewis and Elizabeth (Faning) Goff; three daughters--Lorraine, Dorothy, and Cathleen. Taught school in early years in Perry County and in Mississippi; became a cotton merchant at Lexington, Henderson County. Sometime member county court; served a short while as safety director for West Tennessee, with headquarters at Memphis. Member Methodist Episcopal Church; Free and Accepted Masons. Died at Lexington Oct. 14, 1950; buried in Lexington Cemetery.
Sources: Information supplied by wife, Mrs. Lon S. Austin and by daughter, Mrs. John W. Hinson, both of Lexington; Lexington Progress, July 6, 1928; Aug. 9, 1935; Dec. 20, 1935; Jan. 6, 1939; May 30, 1941; Mar. 9, 1945; Oct. 6, 1950; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 22402.
HOUSE, 85th and 86th General Assemblies, 1967-71; representing counties of Henderson, Chester, Decatur, and Perry; Republican. Born at Reagan, Henderson County, May 19, 1919; son of Dorsie G. and Betty (Stewart) Bailey. Attended elementary school at Reagan; graduated, 1936, from Scotts Hill High School, Henderson County; attended, 1936-39, Freed-Hardeman College, Henderson, Chester County. Married at Corinth, Alcorn County, Miss., May 20, 1939, to Mable Overman, native of Scotts Hill, daughter of Charles and Ethel (Swift) Overman; one daughter--Betty Carol. Teacher and member Henderson County Board of Education, 1939-41; U.S. Government clerk, Panama Canal Zone, 1941-43; foreman Proctor and Gamble Defense Corp., Milan, Gibson County, 1943-44; owner and operator of retail grocery and market at Lexington, Henderson County; sawmill operator and lumberman at Lexington from 1950 to present (1969). Alderman for city of Lexington, 1949-53, and again, 1956-67; mayor of Lexington 1953-54. Member Republican State Executive Committee, 1952-69, and chairman of that committee, 1969. Member Baptist Church; Free and Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite; Order of the Mystic Shrine; Loyal Order of Moose; Lions Club. Business address (1969), P.O. Box 296; residence, 620 Broad Street, Lexington 38351.
Sources: Information supplied by self, Aug. 30, 1969, and by Tenn. Legislative Council; Tenn. Blue Book, 1969-70, p. 25.
Barry. William Logan (1926-)
HOUSE, 79th, 80th, 81st, 82nd, 83rd, and 84th General Assemblies, 1955-67; representing Henderson and Madison countiesthrough 82nd, Henderson, Decatur, and Madison in 83rd and 84th; Democrat; Speaker of House in 83rd and 84th Assemblies. Born at Lexington, Henderson County, Feb. 9, 1926; son of Henry Daniel and Mary (Logan) Barry. Attended elementary and high schools at Lexington, graduating from latter in 1943; attended Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Davidson County, receiving B.A. degree, 1948, and LL.B. degree, 1950; elected to Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society with special honors in English and History; admitted to bar, 1950. Married Aug. 8, 1966, to Joanne Coffman of Lexington; no children. In practice of law at Lexington since 1950, except for time in military service and in service of state government; publisher of Lexington Progress, 1945-46; state chairman for March of Dimes, 1958. Member Lexington Board of Alderman, 1953-55; sometime chairman Tenn. Legislative Council; member Legislative Advisory Commission, Southern Regional Education Board; appointed, Jan. 16, 1967; Executive Assistant to Governor Buford Ellington, in which capacity he is responsible for: legal counsel, administration details of the Governor's office staff and personnel, coordinating board and commission appointments by the Governor, legislative advisor to the Governor, and for maintaining liaison between the legislature and the Governor's office. In Korean War; 1st lt., U.S. Army in Japan; 1951-53; member American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars. Member Baptist Church; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Knights of Pythias; West Tennessee Executive Club; West Tennessee Hearing and Speech Center; Lexington Lions Club, serving as president, 1957-58. Lexington address (1969) business, Natchez Trace Drive, residence, 20 Main St., 38351; Nashville address (1969), office, The Capitol; residence, 1214 Capital Towers Apts., 37219.
Sources: Information supplied by self; Lexington Progress, May 17 and Sept. 13, 1957; Jan. 7 and July 28, 1960; Bass, Who's Who in Tennessee, (1961), p. 32; Tenn. Blue Book, 1967-68, p. 54; do. 1969-70, p. 54; Tenn. Public Acts, 1955-65.
Bradbury, Hezekiah (1800-1857)
SENATE, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, and 29th General Assemblies, 1841-49, 1851-53; representing counties of Henderson, Hardin, McNairy, and Perry in 24th, Henderson, McNairy, and Perry in 25th through 27th, Henderson, Decatur, McNairy, and Perry in 29th; Whig. Born in Knox County, May 7, 1800; names of parents and extent of schooling not determined. Married Sept. 13, 1832, to Mary Dibbrell Shrewsbury, daughter of Drury and Elizabeth (Dibbrell) Shrewsbury; children--Elizabeth Ann, Hezekiah G., Margarette Lee, Mary Jane, Charles Henry, Martha Lee, and Rebecca Bell. Removed to Henderson County at undetermined date prior to 1841; where he engaged in merchandising until 1856 except for year 1850, when he resided with son in 7th civil district of Decatur County; removed to Texas, 1856, where he engaged in cotton and shipping business until death about a year later. In "A Tribute" to his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Hefley, a clipping from an unnamed and undated newspaper, it was said that Bradbury "commanded a regiment from Tennessee during the war between the United States and Mexico; which he led to San Antonio, reaching there just as the war closed. For this patriotic effort he received valuable lands in Texas." However, available Mexican War records in Tennessee Archives -contain no mention of Bradbury's participation in that war. He died at Fairfield, Freestone County, Tex., Nov. 10, 1857; buried in Fairfield Cemetery.
Sources: Information supplied by a descendant, Mrs. Alma B. L. Fricke, 4214 Avenida La Resolana, N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico, Feb. 14, 1966, which includes copy of "A Tribute" to Mrs. Hefley; Prepared Roster, 25th General Assembly and Senate, 27th General Assembly; U.S. Census, 1850, Decatur County, 7th civil district.
SENATE, 15th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd General Assemblies, 1823-25, 1835-41; representing counties of Henderson, Carroll, Henry, Hurnphreys, Perry, and Stewart in 15th; counties of Henderson, Hardin, McNairy, and Perry, 1835-41; was a Whig by 1837. Born in the portion of Bute County, N.C., which later was included in Franklin County, Jan. 23, 1793; son of-Jeremiah and Martha (Hill) Brown. Extent of schooling not stated. Married in December, 1814, to Mary Ellington Marshall, native of Virginia; children--Martha Ann, Hannah Malvina, James Frazer, Nancy Thomas, and one whose name does not appear. Senator Brown's occupation and place of residence in Henderson County have not been determined; there are indications that he lived in or had property in Perry County. In War of 1812; enlisted at Lebanon, Wilson County, Sept. 24, 1813; mustered in at Fayetteville, Lincoln County; discharged at Fort Strother, Ala., Dec. 27, 1813; was sgt. in Capt. Henry L. Douglas' Co., 1st Tenn. Vol. Inf. Died at Nashville, Davidson County, Oct. 12, 1847; place of burial not found.
Sources: Information supplied by Mrs. Robert Selph Henry, Alexandria, Va.; and by Mrs. Catherine Ewing, genealogist of Nashville; Nashville Whig, Oct. 16, 1847; Acklen, Tennessee Records, I, 200-201; War of 1812 files, Tenn. Archives.
HOUSE, 72nd General Assembly, 1941-43; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born at Jackson, Madison County, Mar. 10, 1914; son of W. D. and Maggie (Buck) McCollum. Attended Shady Hill School, Lexington, and Scotts Hill High School, both in Henderson County; Freed-Hardeman College, Henderson, Chester County, received LL.B. degree, 1938, from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knox County. Married at Nashville, Davidson County, in 1952 to Frances Knight, native of Owensboro, Davies County, Ky., daughter of G. and Lena Knight; no children. Has practiced law since 1938; first at Lexington and at Nashville since 1949. In World War II; commissioned lt. in U.S. Naval Reserve, Sept. 28, 1942; entered on active duty Nov. 2, 1942; served on security and defense assignments at New Orleans, La., Treasure Island, and Los Angeles, Calif., as well as aboard SS Liloa and SS Charles H. Windham in South Pacific Theater; relieved from active duty Feb. 13, 1946, as lt. (jg) in U.S. Naval Reserve. Member First Baptist Church, Nashville, serving as deacon and Sunday school teacher; member American, Tennessee, and Nashville bar ass'ns; Free and Accepted Masons; Phi Kappa Phi fraternity. Business address (1969), 300 James Robertson Parkway; residence, 6401 Bresslyn Road, Nashville.
Sources: Information supplied by self, Sept. 18, 1969, and by Tenn. War Records Bureau; Tenn. Public Acts, 1941; Lexington Progress, May 17, 1940; May 23, 1941; Jan. 2 and Oct. 30, 1942; June 1, 1945; June 2, 1960; Nashville City Directory, 1949 ... 1969.
Bullock, Micajah (c.1807-1872)
HOUSE, 21st and 24th General Assemblies, 1st Sess. 1835-37; in 24th Assembly, resigned after 1st Sess., serving from Oct. 14, 1841, through Feb. 7, 1842, representing Henderson County;again in House of 26th and 32nd General Assemblies, 1845-47, 1857-59; representing Madison County in 26th; Madison, Carroll, Gibson, and Henry counties in 32nd; a Whig during first three terms; American or Know-Nothing Party in 32nd. Born c.1807 in Granville County, N.C.; sonof Edward Bullock. Extent of schooling not indicated; studied law. Married in Madison County Sept. 29, 1841, to Susan M. Brown, daughter of J. L. and Margaret Brown; children--Anna R. and Ernest L. Came to Henderson County, c.l826, and practiced law with home at Lexington; removed to Jackson, Madison County, prior to 1845. Member Free and Accepted Masons, holding some of highest offices in Jackson Lodge of that order. Died in August of 1872; exact date of death and place of burial not determined.
Sources: Prepared Roster of House, 21st, 26th, and 32nd General Assemblies; Lexington Progress, Feb. 26, 1909; Madison County Marriage Licenses, 1838-1847, p. 80; Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 801; do., History of Madison County, 846-847 (sketch of son); Williams, Historic Madison, 527; Snodgrass, Free Masonry in Tennessee, 156, 286; Powers, History of Henderson County, 33; Paul and Douglas, Who's Who in Tennessee, 186 (sketch of son).
Cochran, James Lindsey (1847-1927)
HOUSE, 46th General Assembly, 1st Ex. Sess., elected to fill vacancy caused by resignation of John Etheridge McCall; seated Feb. 24, 1890, and served to end of term, Jan. 4, 1891; HOUSE, 47th General Assembly, 1891-93; representing Henderson County in both Assemblies; SENATE, 52nd General Assembly, 1901-03; representing Henderson and Madison counties; HOUSE, 58th and 59th General Assemblies, 1913-17; representing counties of Obion, Dyer, and Lake; Democrat. Born at Chesterville, Pontotoc County, Miss., May 29, 1847; son of Silas Maxwell and Nancy Lavina (Talley) Cochran. Attended "common" country schools of community while working on father's farm; schooling interrupted by service in Civil War; after war worked on father's farm during 1866; went to school six months in 1867, attending four different schools of neighborhood; "one school would play out for the want of patronage, then another until all four disbanded;" then came to Marshall County, Tenn., former home of mother, and attended Marshall Academy at Belfast for three years. First married at Belfast July 2, 1873, to Ophelia Hardin, daughter of Rev. Robert and Mary Davidson (Hunter) Hardin; she died June 2, 1877, leaving two daughters--Amy and Tommie; second marriage Nov. 27, 1890, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Covery) Brooks, widow of W. F. Brooks; no children by this marriage indicated. Taught in "country district schools" twelve years in Marshall and Henderson counties; farmed twenty-six years in Henderson County with home at Sardis; organized a bank at Sardis of which he was cashier seven successful years; retired and moved, 1910, to Union City, Obion County, wherehe lived rest of life. Aside from his terms in the General Assembly, detailed above, Cochran's only public office, so far as found, was post as sergeant-at-arms of the Tennessee Senate in 1919 and again in 1921. In Confederate army; enlisted at Chesterville, Miss., Nov. 2, 1863, age sixteen, in Co. G, 8th Mississippi Cav.; became a sgt.; served under Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, taking part in battles of Fort Pillow, Brice' s Cross Roads, and Harrisburg, Miss.; continued until surrender of command at Gainesville, Ala., May 12, 1865; held rank of Col. in United Confederate Veterans. Member Presbyterian Church fifty-one years and ruling elder thirty-three years; delegate from Memphis Presbytery to General Assembly of that church at Kansas City, Mo., 1915; member Knights of Pythias. Died at Union City May 9, 1927; buried in Lexington Cemetery, Lexington.
Sources: Autobiographical sketch in "Questionnaires of Civil War Veterans," Manuscript Division, Tenn. State Library and Archives; information supplied by daughter, Mrs. Tommie Cochran Patterson, Austin, Tex.; Lexington Progress, July 7, 1905; Aug. 8, 1907; Mar. 10, 1911; July 27, 1934; Senate Journal, 61st General Assembly, 1919, p. 7; do., 62nd General Assembly, 1921, p. 11; Henderson County Tombstone Records, II; Nashville Banner, May 20, 1889; Blake, Lawmakers and Public Men of Tennessee, 90.
Darnell, Nicholas Henry (1807-1885)
HOUSE, 22nd General Assembly, 1837-38; representing Henderson County; Whig. Born in Williamson County Apr. 20, 1807; son of Nicholas and Nannie Branch (Flewellen) Darnell. Described as "not an educated man but possessed of good social habits and popular manners ... a born statesman and lawmaker." Married in Carroll County Mar. 3, 1829, to Isabella Cozart; eight children, names of whom are not found but all were deceased in 1933. Occupation not stated but seems to have devoted much of his life in politics and political office. Moved to Henderson County at undetermined date before election to legislature in 1837; resigned before term had expired and removed to Texas, 1838, settled in San Augustine County; was elected from that county to the 6th and 7th Congresses of Republic of Texas; elected Nov. 24, 1842; Speaker of House of Representatives; a member of Convention of 1845, called to consider annexation to U.S.; unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor same .year; unsuccessful candidate for Governor, 1847; attorney general of state during two terms of Gov. Peter H. Bell, 1849-53. Moved to Dallas in 1858; member 9th General Assembly, and was Speaker of House; resigned in 1862 to enter Confederate army as col. of 18th Texas Cav.; earlier had been as pvt. in Capt. T. J. Johnson's Co., Texas Rangers, June 1 to Nov. 10, 1860; and pvt. in Capt. J. J. Good's Co., Dallas Light Artillery, 1861. After war was elected to Texas Constitutional Convention of 1875; returned to House of 15th legislature in 1876; served as doorkeeper and assistant doorkeeper respectively in 17th and 18th legislatures. Helped organize Masonic Lodge at San Augustine and held all offices in Grand Lodge of Texas, serving as Worshipful Grand Master, 1844. Died at Fort Worth in July 1885; buried in Masonic Cemetery, Dallas.
Sources: Information supplied by John M. Kinney, Director, Archives Division, Texas State Library; photocopy Walter Prescott Webb, ed.; The Handbook of Texas, I, 465; Jennett, Biographical Directory of the Texas Conventions and Congresses.
Davis, Felix McCorry (1865-1936)
HOUSE, 48th and 49th General Assemblies, 1893-97; representing Henderson County; Republican. Born at Darden, Henderson County, Feb. 3, 1865; son of Columbus M. and Mary (Brazeale) Davis. Attended "common schools" of Lexington, Henderson County; read law and took a course in that subject, 1886, at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Wilson County; licensed to practice, 1886. First married in 1893 to Myrtle Richardson of Nashville, Davidson County; she died in 1895; leaving no children; second marriage Aug. 9, 1896, to Dora Lucille Pearson; six children by this marriage--Felix McCorry, Jr., John, Joseph C., Nelle, Edith, and James Nathan. Practiced law at Lexington. Presidential elector, 1900, on Republican ticket of William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt; unsuccessful candidate for Congress, 1902 and 1904; member of county court; county trustee; named, 1926, to fill unexpired term of county judge and elected to position for an eight-year term, but was "legislated out of that office"; unsuccessful candidate, 1929, for county court clerk. Member Baptist Church. Died at Jackson, Madison County, Dec. 3, 1936; buried in Lexington Cemetery, Lexington.
Sources: Nashville Banner, Jan. 17, 1893; Lexington Progress, Jan. 8, Sept. 30, Oct. 28, 1904; June 27, 1913; June 21 and Aug. 9, 1929; Dec. 11, 1936; Jan. 20 and May 5, 1939; June 8, 1956; Powers, History of Henderson County, 34, 129-30; Bolen, Henderson County History, 8; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 11.
Essary, Ernest Washington (1870-1960)
HOUSE, 50th and 51st General Assemblies, 1897-1901; representing Henderson County; Republican. Born at Lone Elm, eight miles east of Lexington, Henderson County, July 3, 1870, son of William P. and Louisa (Walker) Essary. Attended "common schools"; received B.A. degree from Southwestern Baptist University; now Union University, Jackson, Madison County; entered, 1896, Cumberland University, Lebanon, Wilson County, from which he received LL.B. degree; admitted to bar. Married Aug. 15, 1901, to Alba Watson; children--Ernest Washington, Jr., and Mary Louise. Began practice of law at Lexington and continued for sixty-four years; before studying law, had taught school at Lexington and was school principal there; a director in Central State Bank. Mayor of Lexington, 1900, for one term; presidential elector, 1904, on Republican ticket of Theodore Roosevelt and Charles W. Fairbanks; unsuccessful candidate, 1908, for Tenn. Court of Civil Appeals; member state prison commission, 1910-14; delegate to Republican National Convention in 1916 and again in 1928; secretary of county election commission, 1925-28; county attorney, 1930. Member Baptist Church, serving on board of trustees, teacher, and superintendent of Sunday School; chairman executive committee of Red Cross; member Rotary Club. Died at Lexington Nov. 30, 1960; buried in Lexington Cemetery.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Oct. 2, 1914; June 9, 1916; Aug. 17, 1918; Apr. 13, 1923; Aug. 21, 1925; Apr. 29, 1932; Mar. 17, 1933; Mar. 21, 1952; Oct. 19, 1956; Dec. 1, 1960; Memphis Commercial Appeal, Dec. 1, 1960; Powers, History of Henderson County, 128-29, 157; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 23; Tenn. Vital 7 Statistics, Death Certificate 28950.
Fielder, John Samuel (1874-1938)
HOUSE, 62nd, 63rd, and 64th General Assemblies, 1921-27; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born at Lexington, Henderson County, May 5, 1874; son of John Samuel and Mary Patience (McHaney) Fielder. Attended "common schools." Never married. Described as banker, farmer, merchant; after leaving school, engaged in mercantile business a number of years; entered banking business, 1915, as assistant cashier of Citizens Bank of Lexington; made cashier two years later; a director in that bank; agent for Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway two years; bookkeeper in office of State Treasurer, 1927-32; member county board of education; member state parole board 1934 to retirement in 1937 for reasons of health. Member Baptist Church. Died at Lexington May 21, 1938; buried in Lexington Cemetery. Uncle of John Fielder Hall, sometime member Tenn. General Assembly.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Mar. 6, 1925; Apr. 1, 1927; May 10, 1929; June 29, 1934; June 5, 1936; May 27, 1938; Moore and Foster, Tennessee, The Volunteer State, II, 817; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 36; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 12568; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville.
Galloway, Matthew J. (1800-1874)
HOUSE, 26th ancb3lst General Assemblies, 1845-47, 1855-57; representing Henderson County; Whig. Born in Chatham County, N.C., in 1800; names of parents and extent of schooling not determined. Married, date and place not indicated, to Martha Norris, native of North Carolina; children--Amanda, M. L., Mary E., and Martha L. Subject came to Tennessee in 1824 and in 1825 located in what became 2nd civil district of Henderson County. Taught school several years; a surveyor. Held position of steward of county poorhouse, 1864-70. Date of death and place of burial not found.
Sources: Prepared Roster, 26th General Assembly; Henderson County Court Minutes, 1860-70, pp. 274, 374; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 14-15; U.S. Census, 1850, 1870, Henderson County; Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 848 (sketch of son).
Hall, John Fielder (1883-1959)
HOUSE, 56th and 57th General Assemblies, 1909-13; representing Henderson and Madison counties; SENATE, 74th General Assembly, 1945-47; representing counties of Madison, Chester, and Henderson; Democrat. Born at Lexington, Henderson County, Jan. 16, 1883; son of Joseph Nathaniel and Lyda (Fielder) Hall. Attended public schools of Lexington; graduated, 1905, with LL.B. degree from Cumberland University, Lebanon, Wilson County; and admitted to bar same year at Jackson, Madison County. Married, date and place not indicated, to Mary Murray, daughter of Dr. John Leonidas and Addie (Neely) Murray of Henderson County; one son--John Murray. Before obtaining law degree, worked as newspaper and laundry agent and clerked in a store from which he entered mercantile business; after admission to bar, 1905, practiced law at Jackson for a few months; thereafter, began practice at Lexington where he continued until 1928; moved back to Jackson to practice his profession until retirement; went to live with son at Seattle, Washington. Elected mayor of Lexington, 1913; member county election commission, 1917; back tax collector for Henderson County several years. Sometime member Democratic County Executive Committee. Member Missionary Baptist Church; Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity; sometime vice-president Tenn. Bar' Ass'n. Died at Seattle, King County, Washington, Oct. 23, 1959; buried in Lexington Cemetery, Lexington. Nephew of John Samuel Fielder; son-in-law of Dr. John Leonidas Murray, sometime members Tenn. General Assembly.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Nov. 19, 1909; Dec. 9, 1910; Jan. 11, 1913; May 14, 1917; Sept. 26, 1919; Sept. 12, 1924; Feb. 27, 1942; July 26, 1945; Oct. 29, 1959; Jackson Sun, Oct. 25 and 27, 1959; Hamer, Tennessee, a History, III, 377; Paul and Douglas, Who's Who in Tennessee, 253; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 19; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville.
HOUSE, 30th General Assembly, 1853-55; representing Henderson County; Whig. Born in Kentucky, c.1810; exact date and place of birth, names of parents, and extent of schooling not determined., Married to Sarah A., native of North Carolina; family name of wife, date and place of marriage, and names of children, if any, not indicated. Hall was a farmer in 3rd civil district of Henderson County. Sheriff of county, 1846-50. No further information on subject except that he was not listed in U. S. Census of 1880.
Sources: U.S. Census, 1860, 1870, 1880, Henderson County.
Hare, John Lafayette (1859-1954)
SENATE, 58th General Assembly, 1913-15; representing counties of Henderson, Chester, and Madison; classed as Independent Democrat. Born in Henderson County Oct. 1, 1959; son of John Banks and Ammorilla (Stanford) Hare. Attended public schools of Henderson and Carroll Counties. Married, date and place not indicated, to Roberta Joyce; two sons--Martin Joyce and Thomas Albert, Operated a livery business in partnership with brother under firm name of Hare Bros.; later, owner of mill and cotton gin; a cotton merchant. Home at Lexington, later at Alberton, both in Henderson County. Member county Democratic Executive Committee. Member Christian Church in 1913, later of Church of Christ. Died at Alberton Oct. 9, 1954; buried in Hare graveyard at Alberton. Brother of Thomas Albert Hare, sometime member Tenn. General Assembly.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Aug. 3, 1901; May 6, 1904; May 19, 1905; Sept. 18; 1908; Dec. 5, 1913; July 31, 1914; July 14 and Oct. 6, 1916; Oct. 28, 1928; Oct. 15, 1954; Jan. 7, 1956; Nashville Tennessean, Feb. 7, 1913; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 24500.
Hare, Thomas Albert (1845-1924)
HOUSE, 59th General Assembly, 1915-17; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Independent Democrat. Born in Henderson County Nov. 12, 1845; son of John Banks and Ammorilla (Stanford) Hare. Attended public schools of Henderson County. Married, date and place not indicated, to Lizzie Parker; no children. Subject engaged in farming; in livery business in partnership with brother under firm name of Hare Bros.; later entered cotton merchandising business. Member Christian Church; Free and Accepted Masons. Died in Henderson County seven miles east of Lexington, Apr. 4., 1924; buried in Hare family graveyard, Alberton, Henderson County. Brother of John Lafayette Hare, sometime member Tenn. General Assembly.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Apr. 11, 1924; Blake, Lawmakers and Public Men of Tennessee, 108; U.S. Census, 1870, Henderson County.
HOUSE, 24th General Assembly, Called Sess., elected to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Micajah Bullock; seated Oct.14, 1842, and served to end of term, Oct. 1, 1843; HOUSE, 27th, 29th, and 40th General Assemblies, 1847-49, 1851-53; 1877-79; representing Henderson County in all Assemblies; Whig before Civil War, Democrat in 1877. Born in Tennessee Sept. 14, 1814; son of Jeremiah and Nancy Hendrick; exact place of birth and extent of schooling not stated. Married, date and place not indicated, to Elinor Kirk; children--Jeremiah S., born Dec. 2, 1838, Elizabeth, and John S. Engaged in farming with home at Mifflin, then in Henderson, but later in Chester County. Member Free and Accepted Masons. Died Dec. 14, 1897; buried in Hendrick family graveyard, three and a half miles S.W. of Lexington, Henderson County.
Sources: U.S. Census, 1850, 1870, 1880, Henderson County; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 62-63; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Vol. 36, p. 324; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville.
Jones, George Washington (c.1829-?)
HOUSE, 46th General Assembly, 1889-91; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born in Tennessee c.1829; exact date and place of birth, names of parents, and extent of schooling not determined. First married to Elmira; her family name, date and place of marriage not indicated; seven children by this marriage--the eldest, Adeline, was born c.1853; others in order of birth--Paralee, James R., Adah, Emily F., William L., and Donna, who was born c.1874; Elmira died at undetermined date after 1874; second marriage in Decatur County Jan. 22, 1880, to Enna L. Alston; no children by this marriage mentioned. Subject operated a saloon in Decatur County in earlier years; removed sometime before 1889 to Wildersville, Henderson County, where he in 1901 purchased the Parker Hotel and changed name to Jones Hotel; when this building burned, he built a new one in its place. No further information on Representative Jones.
Sources: Decatur County Marriage Records, 1879-81, p. 97; Lexington Progress, Sept. 20, 1901; June 12, 1903; Nov. 19, 1943; U.S. Census, 1870, 1880, Decatur County.
Jones, John Willis G. (1822-1882)
SENATE, 37th General Assembly, 1st Sess.; representing counties of Henderson, Benton, Decatur, Humphreys, and Perry; session convened Oct. 2, 1871, but subject was not present untit Nov. 13, 1891, on which date he was seated; session ended Dec. 16, 1871; Senator Jones did not attend called sess. which sat from Mar. 12 through Apr. 1, 1872; nothing found to show whether or not he had resigned; seat unfilled during called sess.; Jones, a Democrat, was born at Lexington, Henderson County, in 1822; son of Richard Banks and Elizabeth (Andrews) Jones. Extent of schooling not found; studied law and admitted to practice at Lexington, in 1848. Married at Lexington, Dec. 5, 1850, to Helen J. Colburn, native of Fairfield, Franklin County, Vt., daughter of Dan Colburn; she had come south, 1847, to teach at Lexington; children--Anna E., May H., Willis F. Clyde Banks, and James C. Subject practiced law at Lexington and owned farm nearby. Clerk and master of chancery court, 1844-66, and served in that office at later date. Supposed to have been in Confederate army but available records throw no light on subject. Member Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Died at Lexington Nov. 27, 1882; buried in Lexington Cemetery.
Sources: Information supplied by granddaughter, Mrs. Irby Eller, Memphis, and by kinsman, James J. Banks, Orlando, Fla.; Lexington Progress, Oct. 13, 1933; Aug. 14, 1944; Bolen, Henderson County History, 8; Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 801, 802; Henderson County Court Minutes, 1860-66, pp. 25, 48; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 15; U.S. Census, 1850, 1870, 1880, Henderson County.
Jones, Julian Lancaster (1896-1932)
HOUSE, 66th and 67th General Assemblies, 1929-32; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born at Sardis, Henderson County, Nov. 22, 1896; son of James Lemuel and Margaret Paris (Lancaster) Jones. Attended "common schools," Sardis; West Tennessee Normal, present Memphis State University, Shelby County; received A.B. degree, 1920, from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knox County; studied law and licensed to practice, 1926. Never married. Before entering law practice, taught school and was principal, 1922-24, of high school at Capleville, Shelby County; taught Spanish in a Knoxville high school. Had made Sardis his home until 1924 when he moved to Lexington, Henderson County. Appointed, 1927, county attorney to serve until next election; elected in 1932 but died before term of office began. In World War I; inducted into U.S. Army Sept. 5, 1918, and sent to Camp Wadsworth, S.C.; served with Co. K, and Co. G, 57th pioneer Inf., and with Co. C, 49th Inf.; appointed sgt. Sept. 12, 1918; saw overseas service Sept. 27, 1918, to Jan. 16, 1919; after landing at Brest, France, was sent to hospital for five weeks; sent to Savency Convalescent Camp; to Le Mans training area; honorably discharged Feb. 19, 1919. Member Methodist Episcopal Church; Alpha Tau Omega fraternity; Master Mason; Tennessee and Lexington bar ass 'ns. Died at Lexington Sept. 21, 1932; buried in Lexington Cemetery. Son of James Lemuel Jones; nephew of Tillman Achilles Lancaster, sometime members Tenn. General Assembly.
Sources: Lexington Progress, May 30, 1924; Apr. 9, 1926; May 20, 1927; July 8, Sept. 30, and Oct. 7, 1932; Moore and Foster, Tennessee, Volunteer State, III, 79; information supplied by Tenn. War Records Bureau, and by Mrs. Elizabeth Caywood, Lexington.
Jones, Samuel Chester (1888-1956)
HOUSE, 68th General Assembly, 1933-35; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born at Mercer, Madison County, Dec. 2, 1888; son of Willis and Helen (Summers) Jones. Attended high school at Uptonville, Madison County. Married Sept. 23, 1911, at Jackson, Madison County, to Nettie Perry, daughter of J. T. and Sally (Taylor) Perry of Mercer; no children indicated. Occupation, salesman and district agent for Standard Oil Co., at Lexington, Henderson County. Postmaster at Lexington, 1933-45. In World War I; inducted at Jackson Oct. 3, 1917; assigned to Co. C, 328th Inf. to Oct. 14, 1917; transferred to Co. A, 117th Inf., and served with that unit to discharge; appointed cpl. Feb. 8, 1918; held rank of sgt. from undetermined date; overseas May 11 to Dec. 21, 1918; slightly wounded; honorably discharged on demobilization Jan. 25, 1919; sometime post commander American Legion. Member Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School superintendent at Beech River Church, and deacon of First Baptist Church, Lexington; member Free and Accepted Masons. Died at Lexington Nov. 1, 1956; buried at Maple Springs, Madison County.
Sources; Information supplied by widow, Mrs. Nettie Perry Jones, Lexington, and by Tenn. War Records Bureau; Lexington Progress, Apr. 26, 1929; Oct. 7, 1932; Dec. 8, 1933; Sept. 14, 1934; Aug. 12, 1938; May 18, 1945; Oct. 29, 1948; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 26139; information on parents, Confederate Soldiers Pension Application 13263; Confederate Widow's Application 6952; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 40408.
HOUSE, 25th General Assembly, 1843-45; representing Henderson County; Whig. Only additional information found on subject: born in Williamson County c.1815; was a physician in Henderson County at time of legislative term.
Source: Prepared Roster, 25th General Assembly.
Kelley, Lois Willie (1906-1964)
HOUSE, 76th and 77th General Assemblies, 1949-53; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born Aug. 25, 1906, at Scotts Hill which lies in Henderson and Decatur counties; son of Robert and Minnie (Maness) Kelley. Extent of schooling not stated. Married, date and place not indicated, to Ewell White; children--Dewayne, Dewight, and Larry. Occupation, farmer and contractor, with home in Reagan community in 7th civil district of Henderson County. Member of county road commission and superintendent of roads. Member Methodist Episcopal Church; Free and Accepted Masons. Died at Lexington, Henderson County, May 16, 1964; buried in cemetery of Methodist Church, Scotts Hill.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Mar. 18, 1938; June 19, 1942; May 21, 1964; Memphis Commercial Appeal, May 17, 1964; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 12631.
Lancaster, Tillman Achilles (1858-1926)
HOUSE, 52nd General Assembly, 1901-03; representing Henderson County; Republican. Born near Saltillo, Hardin County, Nov.23, 1858; son of Jesse Johnson and Susan E. (Wells) Lancaster. Attended public schools; McTyeire School for Boys, McKenzie, Carroll County; graduated, 1885, from Southern Normal University, Carbondale, Ill., graduated in law, 1891, from Cumberland University, Lebanon, Wilson County; admitted to bar. Married in October, 1895, to Julie Graper; no children of own but reared nephew, Wenefred Henry Lancaster. Came with family to Lexington, Henderson County, early in 1895; began career by teaching at Decaturville, Decatur County, and at Chattanooga, Hamilton County, for three years; began practice of law at Jackson, Madison County, but after one year moved back to Lexington, where he practiced until early 1926; attorney for Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Railway twenty years; made vice-president Bank of Lexington, 1906; and president, 1908; a director in Citizens Bank of Lexington. Gave much time to promotion of schools; member both county and city boards of education over span of more than twenty years; serving at times as chairman of both; county judge, 1904-08; resigning to become referee in bankruptcy for six consecutive terms; appointed, 1926, U.S. District Attorney for Western District of Tennessee but died soon thereafter. Chairman county Republican Executive Committee ten years; member Republican State Executive Committee, 1904-08; presidential elector, 1888, on Republican ticket of Benjamin Harrison and Levi P. Morton; and again, 1908, on Republican ticket of William Howard Taft and James S. Sherman. Member Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Died at Lexington Nov. 9, 1926; buried in Lexington Cemetery. Brother-in-law of James Lemuel Jones; uncle of Julian Lancaster Jones, sometime members Tenn. General Assembly.
Sources: Nashville American, Feb. 7, 1901; Lexington Progress, Nov. 27, 1903; Aug. 12, 1904; Apr. 6, 1906; Dec. 9, 1908; July 9, Nov. 2, and Nov. 19, 1926; Mar. 28, 1952; Powers, History of Henderson County, 34, 130-31; Moore and Foster, Tennessee, Volunteer State, III, 79, IV, 217; Henderson County Will Book No. 3, 1895-1932, pp. 343-47; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 5.
McCall, John Etheridge (1859-1920)
HOUSE, 45th General Assembly, 1887-89, and 46th General Assembly; 1st Sess., Jan. 7 through May 7, 1889; resigned to accept position of assistant U.S. District Attorney; vacancy thus created was filled by election of James Lindsey Cochran; representing Henderson County; McCall was a Republican. He was born near Clarkburg, Carroll County, Aug. 14, 1859; son of Dr. Henry and Rebecca Frances (Bowlen) McCall. Attended public and private schools; graduated, 1881, from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knox County; studied law at-Huntingdon, Carroll County; admitted to bar, 1882. Married Oct. 14, 1885, to Addie Timberlake, daughter of Edward J. and Louisa H. (Small) Timberlake, of Timberlake, Carroll County; children--Addie, Grace, Eddie, Ruth, and John Etheridge, Jr. Was editor, 1882, of Tennessee Republican, published at Lexington, Henderson County; began full time practice of law, 1883, at Lexington and continued for number of years. Aside for terms in legislature, stated above, McCall had a long career in political affairs and public office; unsuccessful candidate for district attorney, 1886; delegate to Republican national convention of 1888 and 1900; appointed, 1890, assistant U.S. District Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; resigned, 1891; unsuccessful candidate for Republican nomination for Governor before state convention of 1892; was Republican nominee for that office in 1900 but was not elected; elected to U.S. House of Representatives, 54th Congress, Mar. 14, 1895-Mar. 3, 1897; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1896; U.S. collector of internal revenue for 5th Congressional District, with office at Nashville, Davidson County, 1903-05; made home in Nashville during this period and became a vice-president of State Trust Co. of Nashville, 1904-05; moved back to Lexington; in that year was appointed U.S. District Attorney for Western District with head office in Memphis, Shelby County; and continued in that office for rest of life; moved to Memphis in 1908 and made that place his home from then on. Member Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Died at Huntingdon Aug. 8, 1920; buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Memphis. Son-in-law of Edward J. Timberlake; father-in-law of Marshall Franklin Priest, sometime members Tenn. General Assembly.
Sources: Biographical Directory of American Congress; Nashville Banner, May 20, 1889; Lexington Progress, Jan. 13, 1905; Feb. 5, Aug. 5, Aug. 27, Sept. 11, 1929; Jan. 16 and Aug. 13, 1920; Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 853; Paul and Douglas, Who's Who in Tennessee, 331; Nashville City Directory, 1902 ... 1906; Moore and Foster, Tennessee, Volunteer State, II, 364 (brother).
McHaney, La Fayette F. (1825-1911)
HOUSE, 41st General Assembly; elected to fill vacancy created by resignation of Stephen L. Ross who resigned early in 1st sess. because of ill health; McHaney was qualified and seated Mar. 6, 1879 and served to end of term, Jan. 2, 1881, representing Henderson County; elected again to HOUSE, 43rd General Assembly, 1883-85; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born in Pittsylvania County, Va., Oct. 7, 1825; son of Cornelius and Patience (Hurt) McHaney. Came with parents to Henderson County c.1835; attended public schools at Lexington, Henderson County. First married in 1849 to Samantha Henry, daughter of Felix and Caroline Henry; she died Jan. 26, 1860, the mother of two children--Robert and Ida; second marriage in 1863 to Martha Minerva Jones, native of Madison County; eight children by this marriage--Caroline, Bessie May, William La Fayette, Guy Ernest, Ernest (not same as Guy Ernest), Minnie, Shelley, and Clyde L. Subject became a salesman in a general store at age of seventeen; in 1848 in partnership with brother, established a store at Mifflin, then in Henderson but later included in Chester County; after four years, sold his interest to brother and began farming; in 1865; again in partnership with brother, opened a store at Crucifer, Henderson County, where they met with good success; became sole owner of store for two years when he sold out and devoted time to farming and politics. Was deputy sheriff, 1858-62. Member Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Died at Lexington Dec. 23, 1911; buried in Nebo Cemetery on Luray Road, fifteen miles west of Lexington.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Mar. 18, 1910; Aug. 12, 1955; Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 854; U.S. Census, Henderson County, 1850, 1870, 1880; Henderson County Will Book No. 3, 1895-1932, p. 164; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 119; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 45290ER; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville.
Montgomery, Arthur Sebastian (1868-1943)
HOUSE, 60th and 61st General Assemblies, 1917-21; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born at Saltillo, Hardin County, Apr. 14, 1868; son of W. B. and Pernecie (White) Montgomery. Extent of schooling not stated. Married, date and place not given, to Allie Kent; one son--Lloyd. Reared in the Sardis community of Henderson County; after leaving farm, entered mercantile business with brothers at Sardis; became cashier of Sardis Bank; at undetermined date, moved to Lexington, Henderson County, where he was connected with Old Citizens Bank of Lexington; in 1925, with his son, Lloyd, purchased his brother's business; president Lime Cola Plant, Lexington. Served as election officer, 1903; unsuccessful candidate for Secretary of State for Tennessee, 1920; secretary of Henderson County Fair Ass'n.; chairman Lexington School Board. Member Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and delegate to 1920 general conference of that church; Free and Accepted Masons; Independent Order 'of Odd Fellows; Woodmen of the World; president, 1931, Business Mens Club of Lexington. Died at Jackson, Madison County, May 2, 1943; buried in Lexington Cemetery, Lexington.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Mar. 25 and Apr. 1, 1904; May 5, 1916; May 17, 1918; Nov. 21 and Nov. 28, 1919; Dec. 24, 1920; Mar. 11 and May 13, 1921; Jan. 20, 1922; Aug. 28, 1931; Oct. 2, 1936; May 7 and May 28, 1943; Sept. 30, 1949; Tenn. Public Acts, 1917, 1919; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 10192.
HOUSE, 78th General Assembly, 1953-55; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born in Memphis, Shelby County, c.1920; son of Joseph R. and Lucretia (Barnes) Murphy4 Extent of schooling not described. Was unmarried at time of legislative term. Described as a farmer and in construction business at Wildersville, Henderson County. Member Episcopal Church. No late information on Representative Murphy.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Apr. 16, 1926; July 19, 1962; Tenn. Public Acts, 1953.
Murray, John Leonidas (1842-1916)
HOUSE, 42nd General Assembly, 1st Sess., Jan. 3 through Apr. 7, 1881; resigned at undetermined date before extra session which convened Dec. 7, 1881, at which time his successor, John May Taylor was seated. Murray, a Republican, was born July 31, 1842, at Blairsville, Union County, Ga.; son of Rev. James and Amelia (Reid) Murray. Graduated in medicine from University of Tennessee. Married, date and place not indicated, to Addie Neely, native of Carroll County, daughter of Andrew H. and Mary Neely; nine children the eldest of whom, Missie Bell, was born Aug. 19, 1871; younger children--Maude L., Sidney Eugene, Oscar K., Ethel, Will Henry, Addie Neely, Jimmie, and Mary. At close of Civil War, practiced medicine at Huntingdon, Carroll County; moved to Henderson County at undetermined date and settled at Lone Elm, where he reared family and where he lived during legislative term; eventually moved to Lexington, Henderson County, to continue practice of profession. Member school board, 1904; postmaster at Lexington, c.1906-10. In Union army, service in 9th Illinois Cav. Member Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Died at Lexington Dec. 5, 1916; buried at that place. Father of Sidney Eugene Murray, sometime member Tenn. General Assembly.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Aug. 12, 1904; Jan. 24, 1908; Mar. 4 and July 29, 1910; June 24, 1924; May 16, 1941; Oct. 3, 1947; U.S. Census, 1880, Henderson County; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 18; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 26458; Information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville.
Muse, Thomas Christopher (1834-1892)
SENATE, 34th (Reconstruction) General Assembly, 1865-67; representing counties of Henderson, Benton, Decatur, Humphreys, and Perry; classified as Unionist at time; had been a Whig before Civil War, became Republican later. Born in Pittsylvania County, Va., Jan. 23, 1834; son of Daniel C. and Eliza (Stone) Muse. Attended Clinton Academy, Hickman County, Ky.; graduated in law, 1855, from Cumberland University, Lebanon, Wilson County. First married in 1855 to Elizabeth Collier, daughter of William and _________ (Robinson) Collier; she died shortly after Civil War; two sons by this marriage--William Collier and Albert D.; second marriage June 6, 1872, to Mrs. Theresa (Edrington) Smedley, widow of Charles Smedley; one stepdaughter--Fannie Smedley. Subject came with parents to Henderson County c.1839; at age of sixteen was a clerk in a commission firm doing business on Tennessee River; after study of law, practiced at Lexington, Henderson County, where he lived when in legislature; moved later to Jackson, Madison County. Following legislative term was: chairman Republican County Executive Committee, 1868; in same year was presidential elector on Republican ticket of Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax; judge of chancery court, 9th Chancery Division of Tennessee, 1867-70; unsuccessful candidate for Congress, 1874; unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Senate, 1880; elected, 1882, judge of the Common Law and Chancery Court of Madison County, serving until that court was abolished, 1885; attorney general of 11th Judicial Circuit of Tennessee, 1888-92. Described as a Methodist but not a communicant; member Free and Accepted Masons; Master Mason, Royal Arch Mason; Knight Templar. Died at Jackson Nov. 29, 1892; buried in Riverside Cemetery.
Sources: Memphis Commercial Appeal, Dec. 1, 1892; Speer, Prominent Tennesseans, 320-21; Goodspeed, History of Madison County, 807; Williams, Historic Madison, 233, 526; Miller, Official Manual, 184, 186, 191; Richardson, Tennessee Templars, 161; Madison County Tombstone Inscriptions, 23.
HOUSE, 34th (Reconstruction) General Assembly, 1865-67; representing Henderson County; subject's attendance during this term extremely irregular; 1st Sess., Apr. 3-June 12, 1865. Pearson's election was certified by Secretary of State Apr. 3 and was named to House committee on elections Apr. 7, but apparently did not attend since his name does not appear on any roll call vote, nor does his name appear in index to House Journal of this session; 1st Adj. Sess., Oct. 2, 1865-May 28, 1866--present and qualified Oct. 9; voted on roll calls with fair regularity through Dec. 14, but name does not appear after that, through May 28, 1866; Called Sess., July 4-July25, 1866; when Pearson did not appear, House Resolution No. 3 resolved that the Speaker of the House issue through the House sergeant-at-arms a summons for Peter Pearson and four other members named, "to show cause why they have not appeared ... and if one or more of said absent members refuse to obey ... the officer shall take steps to procure the presence of such member...." Although two members were arrested and held in a committee room to insure a quorum, it appears from the Journal that Mr. Pearson was not arrested but did not attend during the Called Sess.; the 2nd Adj. Sess. of this Assembly convened Nov. 5, 1866, and continued through Mar. 11, 1867; Mr. Pearson was present on opening and closing days and on most days in between. Mr. Pearson was later elected to the House, 36th, 37th, and 38th General Assemblies, 1869-75; again representing Henderson County; he was a Unionist in 1865, a Conservative in 1869, and a Democrat in 1873. Born Oct. 11, 1814, in Anson County, N.C.; son of John and Penelope (Taylor) Pearson. Extent of schooling not determined. First married, date and place not indicated, to Mary Pritchett, native of North Carolina, daughter of Scion and Hannah Pritchett; six children by this marriage, the oldest b. c.1838, and the youngest c.1859; the six were--Eliza, James N., John W., Peter S., Jemima, and Martha; the mother died Jan. 26, 1866; second marriage in July, 1873, to Harriett McMurray, native of Maury County; no children by this marriage indicated. Pearson came to Tennessee in 1835 and settled in Henderson County; acquired eight hundred acres of farm land in 1st and 8th civil districts at or near Wildersville. Member county court; tax assessor for 8th district, 1861, county commissioner. Member Independent Order of Odd Fellows, serving as head of lodge at Wildersville. Died at home in 1st civil district of Henderson County May 16, 1887; buried on front lawn of home place.
Sources: Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 855; Nashville Union and American, Jan. 5, 1873; Henderson County Court Minutes, 1860-66, pp. 4-14, 70, 305; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 40; U.S. Census, 1850, 1870, 1880; Henderson County; House Journal, 34th (Reconstruction) General Assembly, 1st Sess., pp. 5, .36; do., 1st Adj. Sess., p. 34; do., Called Sess., pp. 14-15; 2nd Adj. Sess., pp. 3 ... 410; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville.
Pratt, John Spurgeon (1882-1958)
HOUSE, 65th and 70th General Assemblies, 1927-29, 1937-39; representing Henderson and Madison counties in 65th, Decatur and Benton counties in 70th; Democrat. Born July 1, 1882, at Scotts Hill which lies partly in Henderson and partly in Decatur County; subject lived at Scotts Hill in 1927 while representing Henderson and Madison counties and was still living at Scotts Hill in 1937, while representing Decatur and Benton counties; no record of change in county lines was found so that it seems likely that Representative Pratt had moved to another house in Scott's Hill between dates indicated. Subject, a son of William Martin and Nancy (Cronie) Pratt, attended "common schools" of Decatur County. Married to Roxie Kelley; date and place of marriage, names of children, if any, not found. He was described as farmer; in lumber business; cotton dealer; and operated a cotton gin at Scott's Hill for twenty-seven years. Elected, 1912, district road commissioner; member of county court; sometime member board of education; sometime assistant sergeant-at-arms of State Senate. Member Methodist Episcopal Church; Free and Accepted Masons; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Modern Woodmen of America; Woodmen of the World. Died at Scotts Hill Dec. 30, 1958; buried in Red Walnut Cemetery.
Sources: Decatur County Herald, May 14, 1909; Jan. 26, 1912; Jan. 2, 1959; Apr. 10, 1936; Parsons News-Leader, Jan. 2, 1959; Tenn. Public Acts, 1927; 1937; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 33016.
Roberts, Pinkney Osborn (1845-1940)
HOUSE, 58th General Assembly, 1913-15; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Republican. Born in Wayne County Nov. 22, 1845; son of James Roberts. Extent of schooling not stated. Married Jan. 25, 1869, to Laura Yarbrough, native of Decatur County, daughter of Samuel and Sallie (Ashcroft) Yarbrough; children--Albert C., Maude, Clara, Lillian, Mabel, and Herbert. Subject lived at Decaturville and Parsons, both in Decatur County, and at Water Valley, Miss., before moving to Lexington, Henderson County, to establish a dry goods store, which continued to 1901; became sales agent for Parsons Marble Yards at Lexington. While living in Decatur County, was county court clerk, 1870, and circuit court clerk; after moving to Henderson County, was circuit court clerk, 1903-06; member county court, 1907-18; serving as chairman of that court and as county judge; U.S. Commissioner, 1924; in latter years served as deputy clerk at different times. In Union army but details of military service not found in available records; member Grand Army of the Republic. Member Methodist Episcopal Church; Free and Accepted Masons. Died at Lexington Jan. 16, 1940; buried in Lexington Cemetery.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Oct. 11, 1901; June 26, July 3, Dec. 18 (supplement), 1903; Sept. 30, 1904; Nov. 9, 1906; May 14, 1909; Jan. 16, 1916; Aug. 23, 1918; Mar. 5, 1920; Sept. 15, 29, 1922; June 29, July 27, 1923; Oct. 24, 1924; Sept. 10, 1926; Jan. 19, 1940; Nashville Tennessean, Dec. 31, 1926; Bolen, Henderson County History, 7; Powers, History of Henderson County, 34; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 32; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 1083.
SENATE, 32nd and 40th General Assemblies, 1857-59, 1877-79; representing counties of Henderson, Benton, Decatur, Humphreys, and Perry in 32nd; Henderson, Benton, Decatur, Hardin, and McNairy in 40th; HOUSE, 41st General Assembly; representing Henderson County; seated at opening of session Jan. 1, 1879; granted indefinite leave of absence because of sickness, Jan. 9, resigned, date not determined, in time for his successor, Lafayette McHaney, to be elected and seated Mar. 6, 1879. Ross, a Democrat, was born in Tennessee c.1815; exact date and place of birth and extent of schooling not found; son of Hugh Ross. Married to Eliza, a native of Virginia, family name of Eliza, date and place of marriage not indicated; the oldest child, a daughter Neden, was born c.1846; the four younger children were--John, Margaret, Hugh, and Alice C. Subject was a farmer at Jack's Creek, then in Henderson but now in Chester County. Date of death and place of burial not found.
Sources: Prepared Roster, 32nd General Assembly; House Journal, 41st General Assembly; pp. 4, 78, 610; Goodspeed, History of Chester County, 807; U.S. Census, 1850, 1870; Henderson County; do., 1880, Chester County.
Scott, David Eldridge (1850-1917)
HOUSE, 54th and 55th General Assemblies, 1905-09; representing Henderson and Madison counties; Democrat. Born in Henry County Apr. 9, 1850; son of David Melville and Nancy (Hagler) Scott. Attended "common schools" of Decaturville, Decatur County; studied law, 1873-1874; at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Wilson County; admitted to bar, 1874. Married in Hardin County Nov. 8, 1876, to Martha Elizabeth Porterfield, native of Hardin County and daughter of William and Ursula (Graham) Porterfield; children--Frances Ursula, David Eugene, Blanche Elizabeth, and Melville E. Brought up in Decatur County, subject began practice of law, 1874, at Decaturville; removed to Texas, 1896, but after one year returned to Tennessee and settled at Lexington, Henderson County, where he practiced in Henderson and surrounding counties until death. Unsuccessful candidate for attorney general, 1902; member of county Democratic Executive Committee. Member Methodist Episcopal Church, South; Free and Accepted Masons; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Knights of Honor; Lexington Bar Ass'n. Died at Lexington Oct. 24, 1917; buried in Lexington Cemetery.
Sources: Information supplied by son, Melville E. Scott, Lexington, and by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville; Lexington Progress, Jan. 31, 1902; Apr. 27, 1906; June 19, 1914; Nov. 2, 1917; Sept. 10, 1920; Paul and Douglas, Who's Who in Tennessee, 253; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 20-21; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 26460.
Shrewsbury, Albert G. (c. 1816-?)
HOUSE, 28th, 32nd, and 33rd General Assemblies, 1849-51., 1857-61.; representing Henderson County; Whig in 1847, American or Know-Nothing Party in 1857; Opposition Party in 1859. Born in Wayne County, Ky., c.1816; his mother, Elizabeth, was a native of Virginia; name of father and extent of schooling not determined; studied law. Was unmarried in 1850 and 1860; nothing found to indicate change of that status. Practiced law at Lexington, Henderson County. Presidential elector, 1852, on Whig ticket of Winfield Scott and William A. Graham. Name not included in 1870 census.
Sources: Prepared Roster, House, 28th, 32nd, and 33rd General Assemblies; U.S. Census, 1850, 1860, 1870, Henderson County.
HOUSE, 35th General Assembly, 1867-69; representing Henderson County; party not designated at this session but became a Republican. Born in Randolph County, N.C., July 6, 1817; son of Benjamin and Easter (Argo) Smith. Extent of schooling not determined. Married Mar. 3, 1858, to Mary Jane Campbell, native of Henderson County. Children--several who died young whose names are not found, the seven who lived to maturity were--Mary E., Thomas B., Ulysses Grant, Jennie O., Elizabeth, Lettie May, and James H. Came with parents to Henderson County in 1827; family settled first on farm in 6th civil district and later moved to farm in 11th civil district. Subject described as farmer who lived in 11th district in early maturity and in Lexington, Henderson County; moved back to farm of 464 acres in 1878. Was constable in 11th district, 1840-48; elected magistrate in 1849, and served two years; superintendent of county poor house, 1861.; census enumerator, 1870; appointed county register, 1884, and elected to that office, 1886. In Union army; mustered in as capt. Co. A, 2nd West Tenn. Cav., which became 7th Tenn. Cav., Aug. 18, 1862; promoted to rank of maj. Nov. 12, 1862; captured by command of Gen. Nathan B. Forrest at Trenton, Gibson County, Dec. 20, 1862, and paroled same day; rejoined command June 21, 1863; honorably discharged because of disability Dec. 19, 1864. Member and officer in Free and Accepted Masons. Died Oct. 8, 1891; buried in Lexington Cemetery.
Sources: Lexington Progress, July 21, 1939; Powers, History of Henderson County, 32; Bolen, Henderson County History, 7; Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 856; do., History of Chester County, 805; U.S. Census, 1870, Henderson County; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 37; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville; microcopy, Tenn. Union Service Records, roll 68.
HOUSE, 42nd General Assembly, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd extra sessions; representing Henderson County; Democrat. Elected to fill vacancy caused by resignation of John Leonidas Murray following 1st sess.; Taylor was seated Dec. 7, 1881, and served to end of term, Dec. 31, 1882. He was born at Lexington, Henderson County, May 18, 1838; son of Jesse and Mary (May) Taylor. Attended Male Academy, Lexington; Union University, Murfreesboro, Rutherford County; graduated in law, 1861, from Cumberland University, Lebanon, Wilson County; admitted to bar. Married Oct. 10, 1864, to Amanda McHaney, native of Henderson County, daughter of W. C. and Louisa (Henry) McHaney; children--William M., Jesse, JohnMay, Jr,,Nannie H., Daisy Amanda, and Rutherford County; graduated in law, 1861, from Cumberland University, Lebanon, Wilson County; admitted to bar, Married Oct. 10, 1864, to Amanda McHaney, native of Henderson County, daughter of W. C. and Louisa (Henry) McHaney; children--William M., Jesse, John May, Jr., Nannie H., Daisy Amanda, and Mary Lou. Began practice of law at Lexington and resumed after Civil War; named, 1906, president of the Bank of Lexington. Mayor of Lexington, 1869-70; delegate to Tennessee Constitutional Convention of 1870; attorney general of 11th Judicial District, 1870-78; delegate to Democratic national convention, 1880; elected to U.S. House of Representatives, 48th and 49th Congresses, serving from Mar. 14, 1883, to Mar. 3, 1887; resumed practice of law; presidential elector, 1892, on Democratic ticket of Grover Cleveland and Adlai E. Stevenson; appointed judge of criminal court, 11th Judicial Circuit of Tennessee, 1895, and later elected for a six-year term, serving until court was abolished by legislature; elected, 1902, a judge on state Court of Chancery Appeals, soon changed to Court of Civil Appeals; re-elected in 191.0 and served until death; sometime member county Democratic Executive Committee. In Confederate army; enrolled for duty at Trenton, Gibson County, Aug. 7, 1861, in Capt. Blackburn H. Brown's Co. Tenn. Volunteers, known as Henderson County Sharpshooters, later Co. K, 27th Tenn. Inf.; had helped organize company and was elected 1st lt.; elected capt. of Co. K, May 12, 1862; took part in Battle of Shiloh, Apr. 6-7, 1862; and in Battle of Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862; in latter battle received four wounds, having both thighs shot through; sent to hospital at Danville, Ky.; captured by Federals at that place May 5, 1863; sent as a prisoner of war to Camp Chase, Ohio, May 8, 1863; on May 13 following was gent to City Point, Va., for exchange; on detached duty under Gen. Gideon Pillow Nov. 1863 through Apr. 1864, serving as post commander at Gadsden, Alabama; promoted to maj. during this period; rejoined regiment in time for Chattanooga-Atlanta campaign beginning May 5, 1864; in Gen. Hood's campaign into Tennessee, taking part in Battle of Franklin, Nov. 30, 1864, and Battle of Nashville, Dec. 15-17, 1864; acting lt. col. during part of this campaign; paroled at Meridian, Miss., May 12, 1865. Author of history of 27th Tenn. Inf. in Military Annals of Tennessee took leading part in organizing United Confederate Veterans; appointed, 1899, brig. gen. commanding 2nd Brigade, Tennessee Division, United Confederate Veterans and was re-elected to that post at each succeeding reunion. A steward in Methodist Episcopal Church; member Free and Accepted Masons; Knights Templar; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Knights of Honor; Knights of Pythias; Ancient Order of United Workmen. Died at Lexington Feb. 17, 1911; buried in Lexington Cemetery.
Sources: Biographical Directory of American Congress; Lexington Progress, May 27, 1904; Apr. 6, 1906; June 12, 1908; Apr. 23, 1920; Mar. 20, 1925; June 26, 1931; Bolen, Henderson County History, 8; Miller, Official Manual, 193; Henderson County Will Book, No. 3, 1895-1932, pp. 142-143, 196; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 9-10; microcopy Tenn. Confederate Service Records, roll 233; Lindsley, Military Annals of Tennessee, 415-29; Confederate Veteran, Vol. 19, p. 236; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate 42278-E.R.; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville.
Timberlake, Edward J. (1843-1909)
HOUSE, 39th General Assembly, 1875-77; representing Henderson County; Democrat. Born in Henderson County May 26, 1843, but one source gives the year 1845; son of Richard and Tabitha (Trice) Timberlake. Attended University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1859-60; studied law. Married in 1862 to Louisa H. Small, native of Henderson County, daughter of Alex Small; children--Addie, Louanna H., Edward J., Richard, Charles H., Kate, and John D. Described as lawyer, banker, farmer; made home at Timberlake, a small community in Henderson County; taught school several months during Civil War; in 1863, located on two-hundred acre farm at Timberlake, five miles north of Lexington; had been cashier of Bank of Lexington; organized, 1907, Central State Bank of which he was president at time of death. Circuit court clerk, 1870-72; appointed revenue commissioner of county, 1904. In Confederate army; enlisted at Jacks Creek, then in Madison County, later in Chester County, July 1, 1863, as pvt. in Co. H, 21st (Wilson?s) Tenn. Cav.; no further information on military career; member United Confederate Veterans. Sunday school superintendent in Methodist Episcopal Church, South; member Knights of Honor; Ancient Order of United Workmen; Farmers Institute. Died at home in Timberlake Oct. 9, 1909; buried in Beech River Cemetery, Henderson County.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Dec. 5, 1901; Aug. 7 and Nov. 12, 1903; Jan. 8, 1904; Oct. 29, 1909; Powers, History of Henderson County, 140; Bolen, Henderson County History, 7; Goodspeed, History of Henderson County, 859; U.S. Census, 1870, 1880, Henderson County; information supplied by William L. Barry, Lexington and Nashville; Henderson County Bible Records and Tombstone Inscriptions, 45; microcopy Tenn. Confederate Service Records, roll 74.
Tucker, William Clark (1827-1914)
HOUSE, 34th (Confederate) General Assembly, 1861-63; representing Henderson County; of Confederate Party at this session, a Whig earlier, a Democrat after Civil War. Born in Virginia Jan. 19, 1827; son of W. C. and Mildred H. (Gilbert) Tucker. Attended schools at Cedar Forest, Pittsylvania County, Va.; studied medicine, 1852, in Henderson County under Dr. Cochran; entered Electic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, 1856, where he took one course. Married in December, 1862, to Lucy Delia Buckley, native of Henderson County, daughter of John H. and Mary C. Buckley; children--Mary, Mildred A., Alice Rozelle, William Fred, Nathaniel Albert, Lucy Delia, and Irene. Came to Henderson County in January 1852; began a mercantile business which he continued until fall of same year, when he began study of medicine; practiced medicine for a time but gave it up because of poor health; went back into mercantile business at Juno, Henderson County, until discontinued because of war; later engaged in milling and farming; address while in legislature was listed Mifflin, then in Henderson but later in Chester County. Died in Mifflin Jan. 22, 1914; buried in Buckley graveyard, Luray, Henderson County.
Sources: Lexington Progress, Aug. 23, 1907; Jan. 30, 1914; Goodspeed, History of Chester County, 869; U.S. Census, 1870, 1880, Henderson County; Tenn. Vital Statistics, Death Certificate No. 5-6.
SENATE, 35th General Assembly, 1867-69; representing counties of Henderson, Benton, Decatur, Humphreys, and Perry; party label not designated at this session. Born in Tennessee c.1804; exact date and place of birth, names of parents, and extent of schooling not determined. Married to Elizabeth A., a native of Virginia; her family name, date and place of marriage not found; their ten children were--Louisa, born c.1828, William, Margaret L., Permelia, Saphira F., Susan E., David H., Laura E., Howard A., and John A., the youngest born c.1863. Senator Wilson was a farmer in the 9th civil district of Henderson County. He was living July 26, 1870, when the census of that year was taken. Justice of the peace, 1861-66, serving as chairman of county court, 1865-67. No further information on subject.
Sources: Henderson County Court Minutes, 1860-66, pp. 8, 10, 345, 381.; U.S. Census, 1850, 1870, Henderson County.
